Six year-old Megan McGuire became the youngest child to ever hold the title "State Spelling Bee Champion" as she successfully spelled "schizophrenia" last week for a packed house at the County Fairgrounds auditorium.
Megan's first grade teacher called the win "a spelling miracle," for "Megan usually has trouble spelling her name."
Megan competed against first through eighth graders from neighboring communities across the state. Following the competition, the eighth grader Megan defeated was cited for unsportsman-like conduct after she complained to judges that "Megan's doll spelled the words for her."
"The charges are ridicules," stated one judge. "Imagine a doll talking!"
Although contestants usually are not allowed to use props during competition, Megan was allowed to hold her doll. "Since the recent passing of her mother, the doll seems to be a great comfort to my daughter, " explained Bill McGuire, Megan's father. "We are all very proud of Megan's accomplishment," he continued.
A brief ceremony will be held next Saturday at the VFW Hall to honor the pint-sized champion. The mayor of Blackstone will present Megan with a proclamation and Key to the Town.
Congratulations, Megan!